Gary Neville says Mohamed Salah’s recent public criticism of Liverpool makes clear the forward is unhappy at the club, and that he would be livid if a Manchester United player had spoken out the same way. Salah, who is set to leave Liverpool this summer, made a blunt assessment of the team after a 4-2 defeat by Aston Villa, calling for a return to the high‑tempo, attacking ‘heavy metal’ football associated with Jurgen Klopp.
Neville, speaking as a Sky Sports pundit, said he did not approve of the timing or manner of the comments but understood they reflected real frustration. He described Salah’s remarks as ‘pulling the pin out of a grenade’ and walking out of the room, adding that a player of Salah’s stature is unlikely to be kept quiet when he feels strongly.
The forward’s latest remarks follow a December interview in which he said his relationship with manager Arne Slot had broken down. In a social media statement this week Salah reiterated his pride in what Liverpool have achieved, said recent defeats were painful and unfair to supporters, and urged the club to restore the attacking identity that wins trophies. He also insisted qualifying for next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum and said he will try to help make that happen.
Neville suggested Slot will not welcome the criticism but believes the coach’s immediate priority is to finish the season, identify which players will remain, and prepare for a busy summer window. He noted that the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea manager hinted Liverpool’s board may back Slot rather than make a change, and added that a manager who won the league last season deserves another chance to turn things around.
Slot has acknowledged a difficult campaign and said supporters may understandably lack confidence, but he is hopeful a fresh start and transfer activity can produce improvement. The Dutch coach pointed to injuries and absences — noting as many as nine players who could start a game were missing at different points — as a significant factor this season, and said relatively small adjustments combined with smarter recruitment could yield a big upgrade next year.
Liverpool’s season concludes at home to Brentford on May 24. Depending on other results, the Reds may still need a positive outcome to secure a top‑five finish and Champions League qualification. For now, Salah’s public critique has intensified scrutiny of Slot and the club’s direction, while raising questions about how Liverpool will respond over the summer.